Translation - Explanation and Caution

The County of Lanark is offering text and website translation services provided by Google Translate™, a free service currently offering over 50 languages. Our goal is to assist English as a Second Language (ESL) users with a way to understand the programs, services, and information provided by Lanark County.

Please note that NOT all text may be translated correctly or be translated at all. You agree that when a translation is complete, you assume the risk of any inaccuracies, errors, and omissions therein. You agree that the County of Lanark shall NOT be held responsible or liable for any damages or losses that may result from your reliance upon or use of Google Translate™.

Weed Control

Weeds and other vegetation like to make their home along roadsides. There are a number of reasons to control roadside vegetation: motorist safety, to maintain sight lines, proper drainage, prevention of road surface erosion, as well as preventing the spread of invasive species onto adjacent properties. Some toxic weeds can grow in areas where humans are working or enjoying recreational activities. Serious burns and rashes due to human skin coming in contact with these weeds, as well as vision loss, are just a couple health risks associated with toxic weeds.

It is essential that vegetation does not block traffic signs and hazard markers. Vegetation can obstruct driver vision at intersections and block the line of sight around curves and obstruct the view of oncoming wildlife crossing the road, therefore must be treated and controlled. Roadside delineators and traffic signs being visible are crucial to ensure motorist safety.

Weed Inspector

The main purpose of the Weed Control Act R.S.O. 1990, is to reduce the impact of noxious weeds on the industries of agriculture and horticulture.

Ken Gilpin, Weed Inspector for Lanark County, is appointed by By-Law to carry out and perform the duties, as required of him under the provisions of the Weed Control Act. The Weed Inspector performs inspections & enforcement duties with respect to complaints regarding nuisance weeds affecting lands used for agricultural and horticultural purposes.

If you require further information, or wish to initiate an inspection by the Weed Inspector please contact our Business office at 613-267-1353.

What is a Noxious Weed

There are currently 25 weeds that have been classified, by the Province, as noxious. To view the current Noxious Weeds List for Ontario, reference the Noxious Weeds Ontario List under related documents.

To view pictures of these and other Ontario weeds reference the Ontario Weed Gallery under related documents.

For answers to other frequently asked questions you can also refer to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food's Frequently Asked Questions or the Weed Control Act under related documents.

Wild Parsnip

Wild Parsnip is an invasive plant that is increasingly common within Lanark County. The plant is found in areas such as road shoulders, roadside ditches, rail corridors, trails, and uncultivated lands.

Wild Parsnip may pose a health risk to humans. The plant sap may cause skin and eye irritation and make the skin prone to severe burning and blistering when exposed to the sun. The blisters typically occur one to two days after contact with the plant. In some cases, this can result in long-term scarring of the skin.

The best way to avoid contact with Wild Parsnip is to become familiar with what the plant looks like and the proper handling techniques when dealing with the plant.

When a weed such as Wild Parsnip is declared a noxious weed, both the County and members of the public are able to purchase herbicides to control it. Use for control of noxious weeds is not considered a cosmetic use of pesticides because the plant can pose a risk to people. Further information is available on the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) website.

Residents can also contact the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit for more information relating to Public Health in regards to Wild Parsnip or the use of ClearView Herbicide at 613-267-4114 or visit their website at www.healthunit.org

Roadside Spraying

Spraying occurs from the edge of the gravel shoulder to the property limits and uses ClearView herbicide to control the growth of undesirable vegetation. The contractors performing the work are fully licensed. Spraying occurs in areas identified during weed audits.

The following locations will not be sprayed:

Roadside ditches maintained by property owners

10 metre buffer from freshwater habitat (boom spraying)

Sprayers are turned off at mailboxes or whenever a pedestrian is nearby

Landowners who do not want roadside spraying should review the No Spray options below

Options for No Spraying - Lanark County Roads

Adopt A RoadAprogram where groups (minimum 3 individuals) can enter into an agreement with Lanark County to complete various vegetation management activities.

No Spray AgreementAn agreement between the County and a landowner (occupant) who takes alternative vegetation control actions to control noxious weeds within the road allowance adjacent to their lands, and therefore, the County does not spray the zone.